Where would enterprise IT be without developers? Corporate websites would be empty, all applications would be out-of-the-box solutions and hardware would lay there unused. Businesses know that they rely on developers, and this is exactly why these professionals are in high demand.
According to CompTIA’s report of the IT hiring outlook for 2015, Web developers were the No. 1 growing occupation in the IT workforce due to the number of these employees businesses need. Additionally, the CompTIA study found that software developers also filled the fourth and fifth most in demand professionals, the former ranking specifically relating to application developers and the latter referencing IT professionals that develop “systems software.”
If you fall into one of those categories, you should be very happy. This means that businesses desperately need you, and they might be willing to go the extra mile to convince you to apply. ComputerWorld reported that developers remain difficult to attract, and Suma Nallapati, secretary of technology and CIO with the Colorado Governor’s Office of IT, told the source that these individuals are hardest to keep employed in her department.
“Developers remain difficult to attract.”
So, not only are you in high demand as a developer, but businesses are eager to keep you at their offices. After all, the skills you have are rare and therefore are valuable for a variety of reasons. But what is going to get you hired? Surely, you can’t just be a developer and get handed a job, right? Unfortunately, that is true. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what skills and traits you need to possess and put on display.
The skills that kill
Simply put, developers need a wide variety of skills, especially considering that the term encompasses many different specialties. With that in mind, these skills are something that every developer – from software to Web – should be proficient in. If you don’t have these abilities, start Googling, and in fact, that is the first area of expertise to focus on: Know how to find information quickly and efficiently.
In regard to coding, developers should express their proficiencies in Javascript, HTML and server side languages such as .NET, Python or NodeJS. Medium suggested looking into NodeJS, especially if you already know Javascript, noting that many organizations – Paypal specifically – leverage NodeJS as a critical element of their underlying architecture. Further cementing Javascript as essential, the source pointed out that with that language you can write everything from mobile and server apps to blogging engines and custom workflows.
As a quick tip, bring a portfolio with some completed projects to display tangible proof of your abilities. However, Entrepreneur asserted that it is far too common for developers to send in example of their work, but the product is littered with bugs or the code is very messy. Always double-check the quality of your portfolio and fix any glaring issues that might display a lack of skill.
HTML skills are always worthwhile to show off.
If you don’t have a portfolio, the source recommended that hiring managers might give you some rapid prototyping exercises to test your skills, so be prepared to show off by brushing up on your coding practices before an interview.
The traits that bait employers
Listing your skills and showing them off is a surefire way to stand out before and during a job interview, but if you can’t gel with an organization’s corporate culture, you might not be at the top of the hiring list. However, by displaying that you possess traits that make you appear to be a team player and great developer, you’ll guarantee yourself a great paying job.
This might sound obvious as a developer but you need to be familiar with a variety of development strategies, especially if you’re joining an already formed team of other IT professionals. First and foremost, learn SCRUM and be ready to participate in those weekly meetings. Other than that, be knowledgeable in agile dev processes, as teamwork plays a large role in enterprise IT – always stress that you’re a team player.
“Hiring managers will vet a developer’s ability to hit deadlines.”
Additionally, Medium highlighted the importance of Git in enterprise IT, and since version control systems are quite popular, and you should know exactly what the “git-flow” entails. The source suggested learning Git if you aren’t already familiar with it, and if you are comfortable discussing it, continue to expand your knowledge.
Another great trait to boast about is your lack of procrastination – yes, even if you do wait until last minute to finish projects. No one likes the guy holding a team back, so don’t be that person. Taso Du Val, CEO of Toptal, told Entrepreneur that hiring managers will vet a developer’s ability to hit deadlines as well as accurately communicate if he or she is falling behind.
Lastly, the source noted that if you have developer friends, tell the hiring manager. Of course you don’t want to lose the job opportunity, but by making that point, the company will know that you are a valuable asset as a team player or potential leader.
As always, be yourself in an interview. You know your strengths and weaknesses, and by accurately presenting them, the positives will stand out.